HANDLE WITH CARE (The Ludzecky Sisters Book 5) Read Online Free Page A

His expression was self-deprecating. “They flock to him.”
    She caught his tone. “Now, don’t be modest. I’ll bet you have your share of dates.”
    Facing her fully, he said,“I’m getting there. Sofia, I’m just coming out of a long-term relationship. We ended things two months ago.”
    “I’m sorry. That must have been difficult.”
    “It was. I just wanted you to know.”
    “Fine. We’re friends.” She smiled over at him. “For now anyway.”
    Leaning over, he kissed her nose. “Thanks.”
    As the lights dimmed, they watched the stage, and Sofia wondered why she feltrelief at his statement, which had implied he wasn’t ready for more in their relationship. She’d have to think about that.

 
    Chapter 3
     
    In Mid-April, Max tried to pull into the parking lot of Serenity Yoga and stopped short. The lot was full. He backed out and drove down the street. Most spaces were taken. When he found one, a block away, he hopped out of the car. Heading back to the studio, he had to laugh at himself. He hadn’t brought his mat, like other students did. Not that he was embarrassedby having practiced every day. Not really. Well, maybe some. But he told himself this was all happening because, down deep, he was a true competitor.
    When he reached the front door, he found a note. “Session in progress. Quiet, please.”
    He hadn’t noticed one on the schedule when he checked the internet for which class he could attend. Assuming she’d locked the door for safety reasons,he started to step back. Then thought of her upbeat attitude toward everything, how she expected the best out of situations, so he yanked on the handle. Hell, didn’t she have any sense? It was eight at night in downtown Queens. His protective instincts went on red alert, for which he chided himself. She wasn’t his, after all. The provocative thought brought him back to his periodic dreams about herin the past two weeks. Damn, he couldn’t stop them, and he knew it was because of his yoga practice right before bedtime.
    Anxious now, he prowled the small but homey reception area. Benches—padded in blue material—stood out from the creamy walls. Posters that accented the color boasted a variety of yoga positions by different people. Huh! The one at the end, of a man standing on one leg, theother crooked over his back, almost touching his head, snagged his attention. Jesus, the joy in his hard work and accomplishment these past two weeks dimmed in comparison.
    A bulletin board graced one wall. The monthly schedule in one corner. Pictures of students abounded. A notification of a canceled class. One baby-pink sheet of paper caught his eye.
    “Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors:six free lessons to all who qualify. Starting April 15, yoga exercises will be offered designed to alleviate the discomfort and fatigue we all feel from treatments. With an emphasis on strengthening bodies, stimulating muscles, increasing blood flow and the lymphatic system balance, this ninety-minute class will include several routines to calm the body and diminish stress all cancer patientssuffer.”
    Max stepped back. Swallowed hard. He’d never heard of yoga for cancer patients. It was a cool thing to do—free, even. He looked at the note again, something niggling at him. Just then, the door opened and out walked students. Women. The first seemed healthy, no visible effects of cancer. The next two were bald and wore no head scarves. The fourth seemed dangerously thin. Still andsomber, Max stared at them.
    Until he heard “Jill, wait, you forgot your head scarf.” Sofia appeared, serene as usual, with a paisley-colored thing in her hand, the kind doctors wore in surgery.
    Jill turned and hugged Sofia. Who noticed him. And flushed. A lot. He wondered why.
    “This is a surprise,” she said, after the women filed out.
    “I know. I was going to call, but I thoughtmaybe I’d just show up for another class.” He patted his pocket. “I want to pay this